Ms Ardern said they were “all doing well” and thanked the team at Auckland City Hospital.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark told chckpoint this evening it was a great day for New Zealand.

“Really, both of them are very modern young parents. A fine example to young people in New Zealand.

“Jacinda’s done it her way, what a remarkable story.

“She’s taken it in her stride, New Zealanders have taken it in their stride … all round I think we’re showing huge maturity as a country with this.”

Ms Ardern was driven to hospital by her partner Clark Gayford and arrived at 5.50am this morning.

New Zealand First leader and deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is now acting Prime Minister.

Ms Ardern has previously said she would take six weeks maternity leave.

Her due date was Sunday 17 June.

It’s Ms Ardern’s first child, and her partner Clarke Gayford will be a stay-at-home father.

Ms Ardern found out about the pregnancy last October and told Mr Gayford about the news through Facebook video call.

The couple announced the pregnancy to the public on 19 January.

They were inundated with good wishes from the public, current and former politicians and attracted comment from media around the world.

Ms Ardern was gifted the name Waru at Ratana celebrations and the name Waimirirangi was offered at Waitangi Day celebrations if the baby was a girl.

Ms Ardern is one of very few elected leaders to have give birth while in office.

The only other recorded instance in recent times was of Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto, who was elected Prime Minister in 1988 and in 1990 gave birth to her second child.

Prior to her, Queen Elizabeth II gave birth to Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964 after her ascension to the throne in 1952. Queen Victoria, Catherine the Great and Cleopatra also became mothers while being leaders of their states.